MIKEL ARTETA took his Arsenal side to Germany for their first taste of pre-season action this year.
The Gunners travelled to face second-tier Nurnberg at Max-Morlock-Stadion.
GettyMikel Arteta ran the rule over his squad[/caption]
The Spaniard gave plenty of his high-profile stars a chance to get some minutes into their legs on a glorious, sun-drenched evening.
But he suffered a huge blow in the warm-up when skipper Martin Odegaard picked up an injury.
Arsenal took the lead through Bukayo Saka’s brilliant first-half effort.
But they were pegged back shortly after the hour mark, via Jorginho’s shambolic own goal.
Following the Gunners’ first taste of pre-season action, SunSport rates each Arsenal performer.
AARON RAMSDALE – 6
England international had little to do on his pre-season bow.
Ramsdale was largely limited to taking goal kicks on an easy evening’s work before being substituted at half-time.
BEN WHITE – 7
Got forward well to tee up Fabio Vieira for an early chance.
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Set to receive more competition following Jurrien Timber’s arrival, but offered a reminder of his quality with plenty of dangerous forward runs.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 6
Frenchman made his long-awaited return from injury in Arsenal’s pre-season opener.
The defender oozed his usual class but was not really tested at any point.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 6
Like Saliba, Gabriel was seldom tested by Nurnberg’s forward line.
The Brazilian was efficient with the ball and did little wrong for his side.
GettyGabriel and Co were given a comfortable outing at the back[/caption]
JAKUB KIWIOR – 6
Fielded in a more unfamiliar left-back role. Kiwior was dispossessed on the edge of Arsenal’s final third, putting his side under pressure.
An otherwise comfortable outing for the Gunners’ January acquisition.
GettyJakub Kiwior was fielded at left-back[/caption]
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Strolled around protecting Arsenal’s back four with ease.
The Ghanaian was rarely tested defensively and looked to get the Gunners on the attack with his passing.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5
Played in more of a midfield role than he did last season.
The Belgian buzzed around with plenty of industry, but didn’t create much – was replaced by Folarin Balogun after appearing to pick up an injury.
GettyLeandro Trossard battles for possession[/caption]
FABIO VIEIRA – 5
Portuguese ace stepped into the starting line-up after Martin Odegaard’s injury in the warm up, but fluffed an early shooting opportunity.
The 23-year-old failed to take advantage of his chance to start – looking lightweight and struggling to influence the game.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
Picked up from where he left off last season in the eighth minute when he cut inside before arrowing a brilliant strike into the bottom corner.
Constantly looked too good for this opposition and received a few nasty tackles.
GettyBukayo Saka strikes Arsenal into the lead[/caption]
REISS NELSON – 6
Linked up nicely with Eddie Nketiah early on.
Looked neat and tidy on the ball but didn’t cause too many problems.
EDDIE NKETIAH – 5
Handed an opportunity to start ahead of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Forward buzzed around but didn’t threaten as much as he’d have hoped.
SUBSTITUTES
Karl Hein (for Ramsdale, 46) – 5
Strong to come and collect a set-piece soon after coming on.
Put Jorginho under pressure with a pass before being beaten by the Italian’s atrocious return ball.
Cedric Soares (for Saliba, 46) – 5
Blasted a decent chance wide with his left foot.
Clearly unlikely to remain an Arsenal player for much longer, particularly on this evidence.
Kieran Tierney (for Kiwior, 46) – 6
Typically tidy performance from the Scot.
Tierney is too good to remain a bit-part player and will surely leave Arsenal, with Newcastle interested.
Jorginho (for Partey, 46) – 4
Endured a nightmare moment by scoring a horrendous, bizarre own goal after receiving a pass from Hein.
Kai Havertz (for Nelson, 46) – 6
Played in a more withdrawn role than fans became used to seeing him at Chelsea.
Didn’t make a huge impact on his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt.
GettyKai Havertz got his first taste of action in an Arsenal shirt[/caption]
Gabriel Jesus (for Saka, 46) – 6
Should have had an assist when he teed up Balogun for a brilliant chance.
Folarin Balogun (for Trossard, 55) – 5
Fluffed an incredible chance just moments after coming on, striking the post when it looked easier to score into a virtually open goal.
Ethan Nwaneri (for Vieira, 60) – 6
Played beyond his years in Arsenal’s midfield.
The 16-year-old wasn’t afraid to put himself about, and excited Gunners fans with his display.
Aaron Trusty (for Gabriel, 60) – 5
Defender spent last season on loan at Birmingham in the Championship.
He won’t receive Premier League opportunities at Arsenal on this showing.
Reuell Walters (for White, 78) – N/A
Not enough time to make a huge impact, but a great experience nonetheless for the youngster.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Nketiah, 78) – N/A
Similarly to Walters, Lewis-Skelly will have benefited hugely from this first-team exposure.